Call for transparency in Indian grandfather case, Birmingham approves a tax, and skepticism about a Muscle Shoals magic kingdom in AL.com opinion roundup

The story of a 57-year-old Indian man whose encounter with a Madison police officer left him him hospitalized and partially paralyzed has circled the globe, focusing attention on the police department's response.

Police are planning a news conference at 3 p.m. today to discuss the incident, so we'll see if the recordings are released.

Voters overwhelmingly approved a 3-mill property tax increase that will raise nearly $8 million annually that city education leaders have pledged will go straight to classrooms in Birmingham City Schools. Alabama Media Group's Birmingham Editorial Board congratulated the city for casting aside anti-tax rhetoric and investing in a stronger education system.

More than 75 percent of Birmingham residents voting in yesterday's election approved the tax increase which will take effect in January 2016.

Speaking of tax increases, conservatives have begun to speak out about Gov. Robert Bentley's comments that he will propose tax increases to fill a projected $700 million budget hole. But recent polling by the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama indicates that residents might be open to higher taxes rather than face cuts in education or critical services.